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Finally back from vacation, and it was a blast. It was nice to get away from the office, commutes, bills and other hoopla for a week to just relax on the beach.

But now it is back to reality and the everyday grind. I am slugging it out this morning at work, which is why this MMR is a little late. It also is a little lighter than other MMR’s because I was completely unplugged from the world last week.

Willie Parker (broken fibula) has been doing running on his own at his home in North Carolina since last season ended.

The Steelers said in January that if Parker had broken his leg earlier in the season, he could’ve played in their last few games. They’re “optimistic” that Parker will return at full speed, but he figures to be limited during OTAs.

Fast Willie Parker should be ready to go when the season opener rolls around. But concerns about his ability to shoulder the load in Pittsburgh continue to linger, especially after his dismal short-yardage and goal-line statistics from last year.

The Steelers have not made a significant move in free agency at the runningback position behind Parker. They did sign Mewelde Moore, who could see some time as a 3rd-down back in certain situations. He mainly figures to contribute as a kick returner, however. But the Steelers also lost guard Alan Faneca via free agency, which figures to hurt the already underwhelming offensive line.

I wouldn’t expect Burress to participate in anything this off-season because he’s still rehabbing his ankle, knee and shoulder (yep, he had a slight AC joint separation — kinda like Eli Manning’s from Week 1 — that we didn’t know about until after SB42 when he walked into the locker room with an ice pack on his shoulder). But again, his presence at minicamp, not workouts, will be a true indication of where he stands on his contract issue.

Burress still is trying to heal from what was a season-long ankle and knee saga that kept fantasy owners toiling on a weekly basis. Now he also is rehabbing a bum shoulder, but it does not appear to be a big issue.

Despite all the injury concerns from 2007, Burress had one of his best seasons as a pro and now is trying to cash in on the big year with a new contract.

Patriotstight end Benjamin Watson underwent surgery on his left ankle within the past few weeks, a procedure that revealed cartilage damage and scar tissue, according to several sources familiar with the situation.

When asked about the surgery yesterday at Gillette Stadium, Watson, who was taking part in the team’s offseason conditioning program, had little to say. “I can’t talk about it,” he said. “You’ll have to ask coach (Bill) Belichick.”

The Patriots refused comment.

I was a little concerned at first glance when I read the Patriots would not comment on Watson’s injury. But then I considered the source. Bill Belichick and the Patriots are notorious for keeping tight-lipped regarding injuries.

However, anytime a player goes under the knife there should be some concern on the part of fantasy owners. Unless Belichick and/or Watson speak publicly about the injury, it will be hard to tell how he is recovering until the start of training camp.